I worked with large carnivores for quite a few years. Eight years directly, as a keeper, and then as a researcher during and after the time I went to University to get my degrees. I long ago developed a hard and fast rule: Any time I hear any sort of so-called ‘animal professional’ describe themselves as a ‘whisperer’, or allow themselves to be described in that way, I immediately dismiss them as a crank. Ultimately, over the long term, I have NEVER been proven wrong on this.
The best animal people I’ve ever met and worked with are typically almost NEVER telegenic, let alone photogenic—they’re the people at the zoo that you never actually see, because they’re not ‘beautiful’ and/or personable enough to put out in the public.
They’re often gruff, uncouth, slovenly, and have personalities that are difficult to get along with, but they’re amazing with animals.
Describes my grandfather to a "T" - he was magical with animals. By attitude, mannerisms, whatever, he could walk into any situation with an animal and be in immediate control. Every animal just seemed to realize he was the boss and they best get with the program.